Cocktails: classic and contemporary

by Metropol | October 30, 2024 8:32 am

Summertime is cocktail time, with exciting new takes on classic mixes, and sometimes even smoke and mirrors.

History records that the first time the name cocktail was mentioned was in 1798 and the first time it was described was in 1806. A cocktail back then was a concoction made of a spirit, sweet part, bitters and water, for instance an Old Fashioned. Everyone has their preferences, but no matter whether your go-to is gin, whisky, rum, tequila or something else, several classic cocktails (out of several hundred) have truly stood the test of time, transcending predilection.

Gin is one of the most popular spirits used as a base for classic and contemporary cocktails, its botanical flavours working well with a range of ingredients, and complementing the aromatics in fruit, herbs, and other liqueurs.

Gin based cocktails include Gimlet, French 75, Gin Fizz, Aviation, Gin & Tonic, French Blonde, Bicycle Thief, Negroni, Martini, Singapore Sling, Tom Collins.

Try these this summer:
Gimlett-gin – fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
French 75 – chilled brut Champagne, gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Bicycle Thief – gin, Campari, fresh grapefruit juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and topped with club soda.
Negroni – red Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin, in equal parts.
Martini – made with gin or vodka, dry vermouth, a few dashes of bitters, and a lemon twist or olives for garnish.
Tom Collins – this refreshing cocktail calls for gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, loose sugar, and soda water.

Passionfruit martini

A tangy, tropical, cocktail that is easy to make.

INGREDIENTS
• 60ml gin or vodka
• 1 passion fruit or 30ml passionfruit puree
• 15ml lime juice
• 15ml simple syrup
• 30ml Prosecco or Champagne

METHOD

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in gin or vodka, simple syrup, lime juice, and passionfruit puree if using.

2. If using fresh passionfruit, cut in half and scoop out juices and seeds into the shaker.

3. Secure shaker lid and shake vigorously.

4. Strain mixture into a martini glass and top with sparkling wine.

5. Serve and enjoy.

TIPS

• Make simple syrup by boiling equal quantities of sugar and water in a pan for about 5 mins, until a syrupy consistency.

• Use 20ml pineapple juice instead of lime juice.

Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/cocktails-classic-and-contemporary/